The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) says it has advised the T&T Scrap Iron Dealers Association (TTSIDA) on the requirements to obtain a Certificate of Environmental Clearance.
In a press release late yesterday the EMA clarified that the requirement to obtain a CEC is separate and apart from the requirement to obtain or renew the Old Metal and Marine Stores Dealers Licence.
The TTSIDA was further advised that the EMA cannot direct nor instruct the court and, by extension, its licensing committee as it relates to documents that are required for the granting of an Old Metal and Marine Stores Dealers Licence.
Scrap iron dealers complained yesterday complained about problems getting licences.
The EMA said it is guided by the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 (EM Act). The EM Act is supported by subsidiary pieces of legislation, including the Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) Rules and the CEC (Designated Activities) Order, which have been in effect since July 2001. The CEC Rules guide the assessment of small and large-scale developmental projects, while the CEC (Designated Activities) Order (as amended) defines the 44 activities which require a CEC.
The EMA said its jurisdiction lies with assessing the environmental impacts associated with projects within the designated list of activities. Two such activities that relate to the TTSIDA are DA 36 (The establishment of a facility for hazardous or toxic substance handling) and DA 37 (Recovery, recycling or incineration of waste).
Through the CEC process, in accordance with the CEC rules, the EMA makes a determination whether or not a CEC is required.
Source Guardian